156 Section 4 Reading Prints
roof systems, ceiling layouts, fl oor framing,
and walls and partitions. Architectural draw-
ings provide information for “hidden” materi-
als behind walls or above ceilings, such as the
insulation behind a brick exterior or the framing
above an acoustical ceiling. Architectural draw-
ings are where windows, doors, and interior
fi nishes are defi ned. The architectural drawings
fi ll in the “gap” defi ning the accessory building
materials and products that are added to com-
plete the structure.
Architectural Drawing
Organization
Architectural drawings are organized in a
manner that simplifi es fi nding information. A
typical organization consists of the following:
• Floor plans
• Architectural elevations
• Architectural sections
• Architectural details
• Schedules
Floor Plans
A fl oor plan shows the building layout and
serves as a reference for making many other
types of drawings, details, and schedules. See
Figure 9-2. The fl oor plan is typically referenced
when making framing plans, mechanical plans,
electrical plans, and plumbing plans. In larger
residential projects and commercial projects, a
number of specialized fl oor plans may be used.
These plans are used to show information about
existing construction or additional information
that would not be shown on a basic fl oor plan.
Floor plans provide fundamental information
about the building layout and are intended to
help the builder quickly understand the construc-
tion requirements.
Your study of a fl oor plan should start with
a review of the general layout. Get an idea of the
room sizes, halls, and storage before studying
details of construction. This will help you to under-
stand the complete set of plans.
Floor plans are drawn to scale (usually
1/48 size, or 1/4″ = 1′-0″). However, you
should rely on the dimensions shown and not
scale the drawing.
The most common type of fl oor plan is gener-
ated by making a cut about 42″ to 48″ above the
fi nished fl oor to show walls, doors, and windows.
A separate drawing is made for each fl oor of the
building. In addition, there are various types of
plan drawings that fall under the classifi cation of
fl oor plans:
• Demolition plans. Plans that show exist-
ing walls, doors, and windows that are to be
removed or changed. See Figure 9-3.
• Enlarged plans. Plans that show more detail
and information in complex areas, such as
stairways, bathrooms, entry lobbies, and
kitchens. See Figure 9-4.
• Refl ected ceiling plans. Plans that show
items in the ceiling layout, such as structural
members, light fi xtures, and air supply reg-
isters. Looking at a refl ected ceiling plan is
like looking at a mirror image of the ceiling,
where the fl oor acts as the mirror.
• Floor fi nish plans. Plans that show fl oor fi n-
ishes and layouts in more complex designs.
• Overview plans. Plans that show a vast lay-
out at a small scale and sections of the layout
at a larger scale on the same sheet. An over-
view plan is helpful in understanding the
entire project.
Architectural Elevations
Whereas plan drawings show the horizontal
layout of a building, elevations show the vertical
layout. An elevation shows an exterior view of
a building or an interior view, such as a cabinet
layout. Architects use elevations to communi-
cate the beauty of a building as well as defi ne
construction materials, vertical elevation marks,
grading and foundation lines, and section cuts.
There is usually one elevation drawing for each
face of a building. On a four-sided building,
for example, there would be four elevations.
Elevations are typically identifi ed in one of two
ways. Elevations may be designated as Front,
Right Side, Left Side, and Rear. More commonly,